Australian Funding Helps Improve Youth Services in the Western Division

16 October 2008

The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, HE Mr James Batley, says Australian assistance towards the refurbishment of the Lautoka Youth Resource Centre is an investment in the future of Fiji’s young people.

Speaking at the opening, in Lautoka today, of the refurbished Youth Resource Centre, Mr Batley said it would help prepare young people in the Western Division for adult life and for future employment.

“Specifically the Centre should help young people gain computer skills, to improve their writing skills and to share ideas and knowledge on writing proposals for business, grants or job applications,” he said.

“I trust that, in time, this will become a Centre where young people will come to source information, do research and prepare documents or reports; or to simply come together to share life experiences to promote understanding.”

The Australian government provided close to F$20,000, under its Community Justice Program in Fiji, towards the refurbishment of the Centre and the provision of computers and technical support.

The Lautoka Resource Centre is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth and youth groups in Lautoka.

Australia, through the Community Justice Program, is providing similar support to the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Youth Council to set up the Sigatoka Youth Information Centre.

Under the Community and Justice Program, Australia has also sponsored Divisional Youth Summits; provided funding for rehabilitation programs for young offenders; provided support to Divisional Youth Networks and the Provincial Youth Forum to develop strategic plans and business skills for youths and; worked with the Department of Social Welfare to improve its capacity to respond appropriately to child abuse cases.

***ENDS**